Ortiz, who played only once after July 16 last season because of an Achilles injury and who didn’t debut until April 20 this season because of inflammation in his heels, is off to a hot start. In 16 games, he is hitting .381/.412/.714 with four homers and 17 RBIs. Thus, the speculation.

Prior to Wednesday’s game, Ortiz told ESPN.com that he has been tested for PEDs about five times this season, including on Tuesday.

"You're going to make me look like that just because I'm hitting good through 15 games? I mean, it makes no sense,” Ortiz told ESPN.com.

Ortiz, 37, added that he never has entertained the idea of using PEDs during his career. However, The New York Times reported in 2009 that he had tested positive in 2003.